This presentation will provide a brief overview of this Hillsborough County Water Resources Capital Improvement Program project.

We thank you for your time and attention, and we invite you to explore the different topic tabs on this page. Each section has an opportunity for you to provide your thoughts and ask any questions you may have about the project.

Project Purpose

• Determine the site for a new vacuum sewer pump station as part of a project to improve sewer service access and reliably for residents in the Ruskin community.

• This is part of a larger Countywide program to protect groundwater and improve the quality of the region’s natural systems in areas around Tampa Bay by eliminating septic tanks and replacing low pressure sewer systems when applicable.

Proposed Project Area

• Area D lies in the southwesterly region of Ruskin.
• The project area is generally located north of the Little Manatee River, east of the Mill Bayou, south of U.S. 41 and 14th Avenue SE, and west of 12th Street SE.
• Area D includes approximately:
  • 500 Equivalent Residential Connections (ERCs) connected to low pressure sewer systems 
  • 200 ERCs on septic systems
  • 1,230 total design future ERCs

The proposed vacuum pump station site is planned to be located on a vacant lot (Folio 57873.5010), which will be purchased by the County.

Site Benefits

• There is existing water and electricity infrastructure nearby to support the proposed pump station.

• The proposed site has sufficient space to provide landscape buffering and screening for neighboring properties.

• The development is not anticipated to have any negative wetland impacts.

Proposed Improvements

The County is proposing to site a new vacuum sewer pump station at the location to support the future development of improved County sewer infrastructure for area residents and businesses.

• The pumps will be completely enclosed in a concrete-block building.

• The vacuum pump station will minimize noise from the pumps and be designed to blend with the area.

Caption: This rendering depicts the proposed pump station building.

Preliminary Site Concept

• The primary pump building is proposed on the south side of the property with two driveways for access from Johnson Drive.

• The secure, gated vacuum pump station facility would include fencing around the site and a landscape buffer.

• The proposed vacuum sewer system will be equipped with a dedicated odor control system to minimize odors.

Caption: Site Concept

Proposed Timeline

The proposed site is planned to be purchased by the County. Once the land is acquired, the County will seek approval from the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners to site the vacuum pump station on this property. Once approved, Hillsborough County Public Utilities will start the design for a vacuum pump station in the project area. Additional public engagement with residents will occur before a proposed system design is completed and before construction begins. Throughout the project, Hillsborough County will keep the community engaged.

• Finalize Facility Site: 2023

• Additional Public Engagement: 2024-2025

• Finalize Vacuum Pump Station Design: 2025-2026

• Vacuum Pump Station Construction Start: 2027

• Vacuum Pump Station Construction Complete: 2029

Vacuum Pump Station Project Budget:  ~ $3.5 million

Funding may include a mix of sources, including Public Utilities Capital improvement Program, Florida Wastewater Protection Grant, and the American Rescue Plan Act approved by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

Contact Info

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